Syd Barrett Extravaganza Planned For Cambridge

An exhibition of Syd Barrett’s paintings, many never seen before in public, will form the centrepiece of an extensive tribute to the psychedelic legend in his hometown of Cambridge.

The City Wakes runs across Cambridge between October 22 and November 1. Besides Barrett’s own artwork, there’ll be a display of memorabilia and photographs from the legendary snapper – and close Barrett friend – Mick Rock, and Mind Over Matter, a solo exhibition from Pink Floyd’s long-time collaborator and sleeve designer, Storm Thorgerson.

Besides the exhibitions, The City Wakes also promises a series of concerts organised by someone called Simon Gunton, who is reputedly an “award-winning musician and composer”. The identities of the musical performers have not been revealed.

There will be guided tours of Syd and the Floyd’s Cambridge, music workshops organised by the aforementioned Gunton and, perhaps optimistically, a “recreation” of a 1960s-style happening.

Tickets for all this are available from www.thecitywakes.org.uk. The festival has been organised by Escape Artists, an arts and mental health charity, and is reassuringly backed by Barrett’s family.

“I am thrilled to be involved in this project,” said Barrett’s sister, Rosemary Breen. “Syd was someone for whom creativity was as necessary as breathing. His music and painting were such an integral part of his being that without them he couldn’t function.”